# ethics discussion

Sarah Green (greens@hsvaic.hv.boeing.com)
Mon, 26 Feb 1996 07:55:36 PST

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    On Mon, 26 Feb 1996, Karl Boyken wrote:
    >
    > A bit about where I'm coming from:  I'm a system administrator.  I have to
    > abide by the policies and guidelines laid down by my employer, and I also am
    > compelled to conform to the ethical standards set forth by my professional
    > peers.

    	Excuse me for butting in (I don't run a public moo nor am I a
    	wizard on a publically accessible moo nor am I in yduJ's class),
    	but... <g>

    	I am a computer professional, I am also an engineer.  Neither of
    	these professions have a "code of ethics".  I am a member of IEEE
    	which HAS a code of ethics, which I support.  I am also member of
    	other organizations which have code of ethics.

    	IMHO, professions do not have "code of ethics" - organizations have
    	"code of ethics". For example, there is an AMA "code of ethics"
    	Hippocratic oath) but really isn't a medical profession
    	"code of ethics".

    > I am proud to be a computer professional, and I do not want to see my
    > status as a computer professional devalued by the unethical conduct of other
    > computer professionals.

    	Organizations have that covered: you don't abide by the code of
    	ethics- you're usually kicked out of the organization.
    	What I've found in my experience, is that you are judged by your
    	personal ethical/moral reputation not your organization's.

    >
    > Professionalism carries with it certain responsibilities.  The SAGE code of
    > conduct is a statement of system administrator responsibilities,

    	SAGE code --- the code created by and voluntarily agreed to by
    	SAGE members. (SAGE: System Admin Guild E???)

    > and I think
    > many of its guidelines might apply equally well to those of you who wish
    > to be considered more than amateurs.

    	I won't respond to this flame bait, other than to say, you catch
    	more flies with sugar than with vinegar.
    >
    > The fact that many--if not all--of you seem to be opposed to any idea that
    > you have any responsibility about the conduct of wizards in general
    > indicates to me that _no_ wizard should be able to wrap emself in the
    > mantle of professionalism.

    	Whoa!!  A wizard has the responsibility to run the Moo according
    	to Moo's rules and the wishes of the sponsoring organization.
    	If the Moo's rule is "anything goes" within the criminal statutes
    	& the sponsoring organization concurs, than the wizard's
    	responsibility is to do just that.

    	I haven't seen any evidence that "many--if not all--of you" are
    	opposed to any idea of responsibility...  What I've seen is that
    	there is resentment that a SAGE proponent (member?) would come to
    	the MOO mailing list and state that the MOO wizards are:

    		- unprofessional
    		- unethical
    		- irresponsible

    	I suspect if an ACM proponent came to an IEEE mailing list with
    	similar behavior, the reponse would be similar.
    >
    > I realize I am preaching to an unreceptive audience.  Be that as it may, I do
    > feel compelled to make the attempt.  I also feel compelled to do what I can to
    > alert my fellow system administrators to the fact that even "serious" moos,
    > and their wizards, pose a threat to their profession.
    >
    	In your (humble?) opinion. <g>

    	Karl, I patiently read your message waiting to see how "serious"
    	moos, (or non-"serious" moos) and their wizards pose a threat
    	to system administrators (your claim) but you didn't explain why
    	you feel that there is a threat.  What is the threat?

    > That's about it.  I'd appreciate any comments--please remember to copy me on
    > any posts to this list.
    >
    > Thanks for your attention.
    >
    	You're welcome!  If I really wanted to be argumentative, I'd
    	quote the dictionary which says:

    	professional: engaged in a specific activity as a means of livelihood
    		(such as a professional musician)
    	professionalism: professional status or the use of professional
    		players in organized athletics

    	which is whiy I would  quote the definition of professional -
    	if I were to stoop to quoting a dictionary <g>.

    Sarah.
    -----